Celebrate Mister Rogers’ Birthday With A New, Spot-On Photo Of Tom Hanks From The Upcoming Movie

Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment has already treated fans of the late Fred Rogers to two startlingly spot-on images of actor Tom Hanks dressed for the part in the upcoming film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. To commemorate what would have been the iconic children’s television host’s 91st birthday, however, they released a third. Not only does the Forrest Gump and Sully actor look almost exactly like Rogers, but he seems to have embodied the man’s spirit. So much so, in fact, that the photo’s release prompted an outpouring of love for Rogers on social media.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, which was originally titled You Are My Friend, is based on the real-life friendship between Rogers (Hanks) and a reporter assigned to profile him (Matthew Rhys). Per the official logline:

Two-time Oscar®-winner Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America’s most beloved neighbor.

The official Twitter accounts for Sony Pictures Entertainment and A Beautiful Day posted the new image with the added text, “Happy birthday to our favorite neighbor, Mister Rogers.”

— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) March 20, 2019

Written by Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster, directed by Marielle Heller, and also starring Chris Cooper, Susan Kelechi Watson, Enrico Colantoni, Maryann Plunkett and Tammy Blanchard, A Beautiful Day sadly won’t be seen in theaters until November 22nd. Even so, between the new image and the occasion of Rogers’ birthday, fans couldn’t resist celebrating.

Sharing it again for his 91st birthday. He gave a stranger a few minutes of time, but he wasn't just talking to me— he was talking to all of you. https://t.co/Mv61lJOufr

— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) March 20, 2019

Happy Birthday to everyone's favorite neighbor, Mister Rogers! He would have been 91 today. https://t.co/LiQCdzx2WJ pic.twitter.com/dXgKRqZJFz

— WTAE-TV Pittsburgh (@WTAE) March 20, 2019

Happy Birthday to Mister Rogers.

He made the world a greater place … one half hour at a time.#BeMyNeighborDay pic.twitter.com/LYB5SVadT7

— Scott Harbaugh (@WPXIScott) March 20, 2019

Remembering Mister Rogers, who would’ve turned 91 today. pic.twitter.com/gKxNUPQ0YK

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 20, 2019

Remembering Fred Rogers on what would have been his 91st birthday.

Watch as @HarrySmith takes us back to "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" in this report from 2018. pic.twitter.com/vHWsy5mrGn

— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) March 20, 2019

We’re celebrating what would’ve been #MisterRogers’ 91st bday today with a Fred Rogers-themed Children’s Citizenship Ceremony today at the @HistoryCenter! #PGH pic.twitter.com/DWihJ1yRxh

— Sam Moore (@museumsamSTL) March 20, 2019

The words of a true role model and wonderful human will shine on long after their flame has diminished. Happy birthday, Mister Rogers. Your kindness and empathy taught so many of us how to be the good in the world. pic.twitter.com/ZVfjD59D0U

— Anne Wheaton (@AnneWheaton) March 20, 2019